Idris Elba’s popular TV detective character, John Luther, has big plans.
After 20 episodes over five seasons, the hit BBC drama Luther now has a cinematic spin-off, which will be released in February and on Netflix in March.
And remember to breathe.
In the new film Luther: The Fallen Sun, Idris Elba’s volatile but brilliant character, John Luther, escapes from prison to track down a serial killer terrorising London.
The film will begin up where Season 5 left off in 2019, when Ruth Wilson’s sociopathic (but endlessly amusing) character Alice Morgan was seen plunging to her death from a tall building.
While it has not been announced whether Alice will return, others appearing alongside Idris (who is also producing the picture) will include Andy Serkis, the man behind Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, as well as Cynthia Erivo and Jess Liaudin, among others.
Dermot Crowley will reprise his role as Martin Schenk.
We can’t wait, especially since the 50-year-old actor disclosed his lofty intentions for the picture, which include turning it into a James Bond-style series.
Talking to The Mirror, Idris said: ‘It’s not a competition but I reference Bond as a template for the type of film we’re going for.
‘John is a leading character in a film that he’s the hero of. That’s the comparison I’m making.
‘But my ambition is for it to have that sort of scale, that reverence.
‘I want people to be like, “Ooh! Luther, the first film? Wicked.” And to continue that.’
Ambitious, indeed.
This follows Idris Elba’s declaration last year that, despite all (quite persuasive) odds, he would not be the next James Bond – cry.
The actor was a strong contender for the job alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill from The Witcher, and Rege-Jean Page from Bridgerton.
But Idris’ 007 ambitions are far from ended, as he envisions Luther’s job following in the footsteps of Bond, where actors compete to replace the character’s legendary shoes.
‘Maybe later down the line, when I’m too old, someone else will step in to play John,’ said Idris.
That’s Luther, John Luther.